MAP1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgMAP1 (FGRAMPH1_01G10593) on chromosome 2 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a MADS-box protein of the SRF-like family, with DNA-binding, bending, and RNA polymerase II-specific transcription activator activity. The gene is associated with sexual and asexual reproduction, including perithecium and appressorium formation, pseudohyphal and filamentous growth, cell adhesion, signaling, secondary metabolism, and stress and DNA damage responses. It localizes to the nucleus and chromatin. Phenotypic associations link FgMAP1 to abnormal mating and pheromone sensitivity, decreased cell cycle progression, cell fusion, and necrotic cell death, as well as altered nutrient uptake and nitrogen utilization, and sterility. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to reduced virulence and loss of pathogenicity, and to diseases such as fusarium head blight and ear rot in maize.